For the cost personally I found it to be of good value. As the assessment is a practical exam then it is a bit more of a challenge I think than typical certs, Depending on your current pen test skills will determine the level of the challenge.

The forums are the main support mechanism and if your engaged with the course regular you will find these useful as you try to bridge any gaps in your understanding. Ofc you need to be patient as you wait for a response, the response times are usually quite good.

I would suggest to anyone thinking about doing it, make sure you can dedicate time!

From my own background and perspective the course and exam was a very enjoyable experience.

I had done CEH prior to this course and personally found CEH useful in giving me a foundation to approach this course. My day to day working life is not at the moment centred on security.

From my initial contact with eLearn security, I was impressed by the way I was handled as a potential customer and supported in terms of believing that I could achieve. I did ponder long and hard before I parted with my own hard earned cash.

After making my decision to join the course, I initially did feel a bit unsure in what I had bought into, mainly due to my concerns that perhaps I could not do this on my own in a distance learning fashion. But my fears where quickly put to rest, once I seen responses to my questions and I had read every post in the forums to make sure I was not adding posts already answered and just creating a nuisance of myself.

The responses I received gave me matters to think about and pointers as to where to head to next, which is useful when you’re learning; building on my understanding was a combination of taking in the good advice and information in the slides/videos and asking appropriate questions. I never felt at any time that if I had tried on my own and had to request for more info that I would not be given some sort of support, be it from someone experienced on the course or Armando the creator himself.

I would also say that network+ and CCNA came in useful, as did some of my previous studies in relation to web technology including HTML, CSS (limited PHP and SQL), a basic understanding of Linux is also helpful.

The challenge of the exam really does focus on expecting you to apply what you learn; I believe this to be an excellent approach. No exam cram sessions on this one I am afraid, if you’re really only looking for another CV filler.

I had good fun and I believe that Armando is building on its success and looking to provide new and interesting experiences for current and potential new students.

If like me you wondered if you had what it took to perform a manual web application penetration test, then this is the one for you!